Though inconceivably endowed, too dim For any passion of the soul that leads To ecstasy; and, all the crooked paths Of time and change disdaining, takes its course Along the line of limitless desires. 185 I, speaking now from such disorder free, Nor rapt, nor craving, but in settled peace, I cannot doubt that they whom you deplore Are glorified; or, if they sleep, shall wake From sleep, and dwell with God in endless love. 190 Hope, below this, consists not with belief In mercy, carried infinite degrees Beyond the tenderness of human hearts: Hope, below this, consists not with belief In perfect wisdom, guiding mightiest power, 195 That finds no limits but her own pure will.[319] "Here then we rest; not fearing for our creed The worst that human reasoning can achieve, To unsettle or perplex it:[320] yet with pain Acknowledging, and grievous self-reproach, 200 That, though immovably convinced, we want Zeal, and the virtue to exist by faith As soldiers live by courage; as, by strength Of heart, the sailor fights with roaring seas. Alas! the endowment of immortal power 205 Is matched unequally with custom, time,[ED] And domineering faculties of sense In _all;_ in most with superadded foes, Idle temptations; open vanities, Ephemeral offspring[321] of the unblushing world; 210 And, in the private regions of the mind, Ill-governed passions, ranklings of despite, Immoderate wishes, pining discontent, Distress and care. What then remains?--To seek Those helps for his occasions ever near 215 Who lacks not will to use them; vows, renewed On the first motion of a holy thought; Vigils of contemplation; praise; and prayer-- A stream, which, from the fountain of the heart Issuing, however feebly, nowhere flows 220 Without access of unexpected strength. But, above all, the victory is most sure For him, who, seeking faith by virtue, strives To yield entire submission to the law Of conscience--conscience reverenced and obeyed, 225 As God's most intimate presence in the soul, And his most perfect image in the world. --Endeavour thus to live; these rules regard; These helps solicit; and a stedfast seat Shall then be yours among the happy few 230 Who dwell on earth, yet breathe empyreal air, Sons of the morning.[EE] For your nobler part, Ere disencumbered of her mortal chains, Doubt shall be quelled and trouble chased away; With only such degree of sadness left 235 As may support longings of pure desire; And strengthen love, rejoicing secretly In the sublime attractions of the grave."